Located in the historic village of Velapur along the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi route from Alandi to Pandharpur, the Ardhanari Nateshwar Temple is famed for its unique religious and architectural heritage. The temple, believed to be built around 750 years ago during the Yadava period, exemplifies Hemadpanti architectural style with impressive stonework and intricate carvings. It houses a distinctive Ardhanari Nateshwar lingam—a combined form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, symbolizing the unity of divine masculine and feminine energies

The temple stands on a historic foundation once known as Ekchakranagar during Yadava reign, serving as an important southern boundary with strategic and spiritual significance. Archaeological evidence and inscriptions attest to temple restorations and donations recorded between 1300–1305 CE by Brahmadevarana and Baidevarana brothers, overseeing the region as military supervisors

The complex includes a gateway near a small Ganesh shrine leading into a courtyard graced by an ancient stone Deepmala (lamp tower) and a stepped pond called Pushkarini, which locals believe never dries. Nearby shrines, such as Baleshwar, house black-stone idols and half-submerged Shivlingas, all imbued with sacred reverence.

Ascending from the courtyard, visitors pass through the Nandi Mandap, decorated with a monolithic Nandi statue whose horns align symmetrically with the temple spire. Inside, vivid carvings of deities including Ganesh, Saptamatrikas, Mahishasuramardini, and Chamunda adorn the walls. Chambers dedicated to Shandilya Rishi and ceremonial resting places for the deity enhance the sanctity.

The main sanctum’s lingam is a rare artistic masterpiece—the dual statue of Shiva and Parvati richly ornamented, with Shiva holding a trident and rosary, and Parvati carrying a lotus and noose, framed by a carved Prabhavali halo. Above Shiva’s trident, Brahma is carved, flanked by the Ashtadevatas and the fierce Kirtimukh

Annual religious festivals include a long fair from Gudi Padwa (Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada) to Chaitra Shuddha Ashtami, featuring a turmeric shower and mock wedding rites of Shiva and Shakti. Mahashivratri and Shravan Mondays also attract large crowds of devotees seeking blessings.

Velapur is also famous for preserving numerous ancient hero stones (Veergals), many of which are displayed in a nearby museum, highlighting the cultural and spiritual importance of the region.